CROWNED BY THE MAFIA KING

Chapter 7 – An Unexpected Dinner

Leonardo’s room still felt hot with the traces of the dream that had just disturbed him. He sat on the edge of his bed, breath uneven, eyes staring out the window at the glowing Milan skyline.

“Damn it,” he muttered again, pressing his temples with his fingers. “I can’t fall for my secretary. That’s insane.”

But the more he tried to push it away, the clearer her face appeared—Selena’s smile, her defiant eyes, even the way she pouted whenever he teased her.

Leonardo let out a long sigh. He needed something to distract himself—or maybe to test himself. And then the idea came naturally: a work meeting, outside the office, with Selena by his side.

The Next Morning

Selena sat at her desk, chin almost touching the table. Her pen moved slowly across the paper, her handwriting messy and tilted. Her eyes were heavy, dark circles visible under them.

(Oh God, Selena… don’t look like a zombie in front of your boss. That’s suicide. Smile a little, come on, smile…!)

She tried to lift the corners of her lips, but the result looked more like she was suffering from a toothache.

Before she could breathe in relief that Leonardo hadn’t called her yet, the intercom on her desk buzzed.

“Come in.” His deep voice rang clearly.

Selena blinked, nearly dropping her pen. “Eh? M-me, Sir?”

“Yes. Bring your notebook.”

She stared at the CEO’s office door like it was the gates of hell. (God, it’s only nine a.m. What does he want now?!)

With hesitant steps, she knocked and entered. The office was, as always: wide, cold, and too neat. Leonardo sat comfortably in his chair, a dark gray suit fitting him perfectly, his hand slowly turning the handle of a glass filled with black coffee. His gaze locked straight onto Selena.

Her stomach dropped. (Oh God… that stare. Why does it feel like I’m being interrogated by the police?)

Leonardo leaned forward slightly. “Tomorrow night, you’re coming with me,” he said without preamble.

Selena blinked fast. “C-coming… where, Sir?”

“A business dinner. At La Velluto.”

Selena almost dropped her notebook. “That five-star restaurant?!”

Leonardo nodded as if he’d just mentioned a regular diner. “Yes. Write it down. Eight p.m.”

Selena swallowed hard. “B-but, Sir… that’s a luxury restaurant. I don’t have—I mean, I’m not used to attending—”

Leonardo raised an eyebrow, his expression cold. “What do you mean? You’re my secretary. Your presence is required. That’s all.”

Selena opened her mouth, then closed it again. She tried once more. “But… if it’s just to take notes, wouldn’t Matteo be better? He’s more used to formal—”

“No.” His voice was firm, sharp, unquestionable. “I want you.”

Selena froze. (Me? Why does that sound so scary…)

She shifted nervously. “But, Sir… I… I don’t have a proper dress—”

Leonardo leaned forward, his eyes piercing. “Selena.”

Just that. Her name, spoken low, but it sent chills down her spine.

She nodded quickly. “Yes, Sir! I’ll come. No problem. Absolutely no problem.”

Leonardo leaned back again, satisfied. “Good.”

Silence hung in the air. Selena waited, wondering if there would be more instructions. But Leonardo simply went back to sipping his coffee, his eyes still on her, as if evaluating something.

Unable to bear it, Selena tried to lighten the mood. “S-Sir… if I looked like a zombie during the meeting earlier, please excuse me. It’s because of… well, all the piled-up work. Not because of… uh… anything else.”

Leonardo raised an eyebrow. “Zombie?”

Selena nodded quickly. “Yes, zombie. Pale face, walking clumsily, and—”

Suddenly, Leonardo’s lips curved faintly. “Hmmm.”

Selena froze, her cheeks burning. (Oh no… that’s a smile! Why is he smiling like that?!)

She rushed backward, almost bumping into the door. “O-okay, Sir. I’ll… I’ll get back to work!”

As soon as the door closed behind her, Selena leaned her back against it and nearly slid down.

(God, why does it have to be in such a fancy restaurant?! I don’t even have a proper dre

ss! And… why do I feel nervous like it’s a date? This is just business… right?)

All afternoon until office hours ended, Selena’s mind was restless. She stared at her computer screen, but all she could picture was a five-star restaurant table, sparkling crystal glasses, and herself—with nothing to wear but her plain office blazer.

Even as she walked out of the office building, her steps were hesitant. Her coworkers waved goodbye cheerfully, while Selena dragged herself toward the bus stop, her head filled with worries.

(Oh my God, what should I do? The only dress I own is a plain one I wore to my cousin’s wedding!)

The way home felt longer than usual. Everyone she passed on the street seemed to look at her, making her even more aware of how unprepared she was for such a glamorous place.

When she finally reached her tiny apartment, Selena threw her bag down, kicked off her shoes, and leaned against the door with a long sigh.

(Okay, Sel… calm down. You still have one night to find a solution.)

Her apartment room soon turned into a mess. Half the closet was empty, clothes were scattered all over the bed. She stood in front of the mirror, biting her lip as she tried one outfit after another.

“Ugh, this one’s too formal. This one looks like I’m going to another wedding. Nothing fits!”

At last, she settled on a simple navy dress, knee-length, with a small V-cut at the chest. She paired it with a thin cardigan and low heels.

She looked at herself in the mirror once more. (God, please let this not look cheap. I’m just a secretary, not a model.)

A taxi dropped her in front of La Velluto. The restaurant stood tall and elegant, a massive crystal chandelier hanging in the lobby. As soon as she stepped in, people’s eyes automatically turned to her—not because of a fancy gown, but because her simplicity somehow shone with natural charm.

And there, at the far end of the room, Leonardo was already waiting.

He wore a classic black suit with a dark blue tie. His tall figure and powerful aura made him stand out instantly. When he saw Selena walking in, his eyes widened for a split second—before turning cold again, as usual.

“Selena,” he greeted flatly, though his gaze lingered on her simple dress with intensity.

Selena almost stumbled. “S-sorry if I’m late, Sir.”

Leonardo nodded, then stood and pulled out a chair for her. “Sit.”

That simple gesture shocked Selena. Leonardo Valente—the cold, ruthless businessman—was pulling a chair for his secretary?

As she sat down, she realized several pairs of eyes around the restaurant were on her. Some men at the next table openly glanced her way, whispering and smirking.

Leonardo noticed everything. His jaw tightened, his hand gripping the wine glass so hard the veins in his hand showed.

One man even dared to raise his glass, as if giving a secret toast toward Selena.

Leonardo leaned closer, his voice cold. “Don’t look at anyone tonight. Only me.”

Selena’s eyes widened. “W-what, Sir?!”

“No questions. Just do it.”

Selena pressed her lips together, her cheeks burning. (Oh God, how possessive can he get? Who even wants to be stared at like this?!)

The food arrived, dish after dish. Italian, French, even Japanese fusion—with names Selena couldn’t pronounce.

She stared blankly at her plate. “Sir, um… what is this?”

Leonardo smirked faintly. “Truffle risotto.”

Selena nodded like she understood, then took a spoonful carefully. After the first bite, her eyes widened. “Oh! So this is… fancy rice porridge, huh?”

Leonardo almost choked on his wine. “Porridge…?”

“Well, it tastes like porridge! Except it has mushrooms. Honestly, it’s like the chicken porridge from the food stall near my apartment, but expensive!”

Matteo, who sat two seats behind, nearly burst out laughing, pretending to cough instead.

Leonardo covered his mouth with his hand, his shoulders shaking. For the first time, he laughed—really laughed—in front of Selena.

Selena stared at him in shock. “Sir! You… you’re laughing?!”

Leonardo cleared his throat, trying to regain composure. “Hm. That’s… unusual. But you really are… unique.”

Selena snorted, scooping more risotto. “Unique? I’m just hungry.”

More dishes came. Again, Selena called foie gras “fancy chicken liver,” and calamari she casually named “expensive fried squid rings.”

Leonardo had to lower his head, pressing his forehead with his hand, trying not to laugh harder.

“Selena…” he finally said, his voice low but with a smile he couldn’t hide. “You really have no shame.”

Selena shrugged. “Sorry, Sir. I’m not used to luxury restaurants. My taste is… common people’s taste.”

Leonardo stared at her for a long moment. Something in those simple words stirred something strange in his chest. Selena was honest, real, without any pretense—something he rarely ever saw in the world of lies and schemes he lived in.

The night went on. The restaurant grew busier, the chandelier lights sparkling above, the clinking of glasses blending with people’s chatter.

Leonardo leaned back in his seat, still glancing at Selena now and then. She looked awkward, but she tried her best to stay composed, fiddling nervously with her fork.

And then suddenly, the atmosphere shifted.

A woman in a long red gown entered the restaurant. Her black hair was tied in an elegant bun, her lips painted bright red, her gaze sharp. She walked gracefully between tables, but her eyes were fixed on one direction only—Leonardo and Selena’s table.

Selena shivered. (Who… is she? And why is she looking at me like she wants to kill me?)

At first, Leonardo didn’t react. But when he finally noticed her presence, his expression hardened, his jaw clenched tight.

The woman stopped just a few steps from their table. A cold smile curved on her lips.

“Leonardo…” Her voice was sw

eet, but laced with poison. “I didn’t expect to see you… having dinner with your secretary.”